Studies show people are living longer than ever before, which means there are more senior drivers on the road today than in previous generations. The ability to drive is a key part of independence, and losing it can be devastating. Keeping your senior loved one and others on the road safe is important. If your loved one displays any of the following signs, it may be time for him or her to stop driving.
Difficulty Physically Maneuvering a Vehicle
Medical conditions such as arthritis and muscle loss can make it difficult to drive. For instance, you may notice your loved one has difficulty turning the wheel when making a sharp turn. Your loved one may also fail to check for traffic in passing lanes because of difficulty turning his or her neck.
Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to manage certain everyday tasks. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Align Home Care, an elderly home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Frequent Fender Benders, Scratches, & Dents
Almost everyone has an occasional car accident. However, these incidents should be rare. If your loved one has had more than one fender bender over the past three to five years or has frequent scratches and dents on his or her car, it may be a sign it’s no longer safe for him or her to drive.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Kennebunk respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
Taking Medications that Shouldn’t Be Used when Driving
Look at your loved one’s prescriptions and see if there are any warning signs the medications shouldn’t be taken while driving. If there are warnings, see if the amount of medicine left over is appropriate. Some seniors won’t take the medications they aren’t allowed to take while driving so they’ll be able to continue to drive, which puts their health at risk.
Slow Response Times
If possible, get in the vehicle with your loved one and go for a drive together. Observe if your parent stops at stop signs, slows down if suddenly cut off, and follows other rules in an appropriate amount of time. If you notice your loved one has delayed reaction times, doesn’t slow down for yellow lights, or drives through crosswalks without checking for pedestrians, he or she is at risk for having a major driving accident or incident.
Exhibiting Anger when on the Road
Poor actions by other drivers on the road can make any driver angry or frustrated occasionally. If your loved one frequently becomes angry or has the signs of “road rage,” it may be a sign that he or she isn’t mentally healthy enough to drive any longer.
Frequent Citations
Driving too fast or too slow or failing to stop at a stop sign could result in your loved one receiving a traffic citation. Citations can be costly for seniors living on fixed incomes, and they may also be a sign they aren’t able to follow the rules of the road any longer.
There are many health conditions that can make it challenging for older adults to continue living independently. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care service. Kennebunk families can turn to Align Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call Align Home Care today at (207) 606-8419 to learn about our high-quality in-home services.